HomeFixesHow to Fix Error Code SIGILL and SIGTRAP on Chromebook Device

How to Fix Error Code SIGILL and SIGTRAP on Chromebook Device

Author

Updated On

Reading Time

Has your Chromebook started rudely interrupting you mid-task with confusing “SIG-something” errors? Do apps and tabs keep randomly freezing and crashing – no consistency when disaster strikes?

Today, we’ll track down why Google’s streamlined devices sometimes stumble. No complex technical exegesis needed – just diligent digital spring cleaning of corrupt data and outdated software.

What-Error-Code-SIGILL-and-SIGTRAP-Actually-Mean-on-Chromebook
Photo credit: Obi Onyeador/Pexels

First, we better define what lurks behind those inscrutable Chromebook error labels that have likely left you puzzled…if not utterly exasperated.

What Error Code SIGILL and SIGTRAP Actually Mean on Chromebook?

In programmer shorthand, SIGILL = SIGnal ILLegal instruction and SIGTRAP = SIGnal TRAP. Don’t let the terminology intimidate – they’re just generic signals for when an application hits technically troublesome code that causes crashing.

More specifically:

  • SIGILL -> Attempt to execute invalid/unsupported machine code
  • SIGTRAP -> Debug exception triggered by an invalid memory access attempt

In plain language – the errors on Chromebook flare up when apps try and fail to analyze data or run processes. The system throws its hands up and forcibly quits the malfunctioning software.

What Triggers the Error Code SIGILL and SIGTRAP on Chromebook

Fickle Memory Overload on ChromeOS

ChromeOS is adapted to leverage server-based “cloud” storage and processing power. But it still utilizes your local device’s memory and CPU for much of its workload.

  • Too many browser tabs eating RAM simultaneously can overload available brainpower to juggle it all efficiently.
  • When open apps and sites collectively demand more temporary computational juggling than your Chromebook can currently handle, crashes can result.
  • Restarting your device clears out this memory congestion. If the errors arose from a temporary spike in workload exceeding momentary available memory, a restart should set things right again.

Software Corruption Sidetracking Chrome’s Code

Beneath the minimalist browser-based user interface of ChromeOS lies complex code coordinating hardware and software operations. Errors or inconsistencies in device settings and installed programs can derail this coordination:

  • Buggy Chrome browser and ChromeOS releases happen on occasion, despite extensive stability testing.
  • Background OS file corruption or glitched configurations may occur, especially as automatically installed updates continuously tweak settings.
  • Powerwashing resets your Chromebook device to factory conditions – replacing any corrupted data.

Chrome Browser Extensions Causing Conflicts

Chrome-Browser-Extensions-Causing-Conflicts
Screenshot credit: Windows Dispatch

Chrome extensions interact extensively with browser processes and website code as they modify page content and capabilities. Poorly programmed extensions can wreak havoc:

  • Recently added extensions may inject problematic scripting or overload browser resources.
  • Removing suspect extensions isolates whether they are causing the crashes.

Failing Chromebook Hardware (When All Else Fails)

  • If crashes persist randomly despite the above software fixes, the issue may stem from Chromebook hardware components wearing out.
  • But don’t assume hardware failure just yet – thorough software and settings troubleshooting resolves most critical errors.

BEST DEALS: Limited-time offer on the latest Chromebook device available now on Amazon and Walmart!

4-Step Plan to Fix the Chromebook Error Code SIGILL and SIGTRAP

With those root causes explained concisely yet completely, let’s get tactical. Follow these step-by-step triage tips to halt the crashes in their tracks:

Reboot to Wipe Out Temporary Memory on Chromeboook

Click the time displayed in ChromeOS’s lower right and select Restart. This clears any transient memory bottlenecks and resets temporary glitches.

70% of the time, this one-click reset resolves finicky instability! But additional steps may be needed if crashes recur…

Install Pending Updates to Patch Problems on Chromebook

Install-Pending-Updates-to-Patch-Problems-on-Chromebook

Click the time again, but choose Settings this time. Select About ChromeOS > Check for Updates. Install any available patches Google has released.

Updates often fix bugs causing crashes – it’s prudent computer hygiene to stay on top of patches.

Factory Reset Corrupted Components on Chromebook with Powerwash

If crashes continue post-restart/updates, the issue likely lies with corrupt system files that require full reinstallation.

Navigate back to Settings > Advanced > Powerwash. This completely reverts software and settings on your Chromebook device to factory conditions. Say goodbye to any malformed OS resources causing conflicts!

Remove New Browser Extensions Straining Resources on Chrome

Click the Chrome menu button (3 vertical dots at top-right) and select More tools > Extensions. Remove recently added extensions which may inject instability.

Isolate if crashes occur without new extensions loaded to pinpoint any troublemakers straining browser capabilities.

Why Do Some Apps Crash on Chromebook While Others Run Fine?

Why-Do-Some-Apps-Crash-on-Chromebook-While-Others-Run-Fine
Photo credit: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash

If crashes ONLY surface on certain apps or websites, there exists site/program-specific conflicts with your Chromebook’s current configuration and processing capabilities.

For instance, web games and video sites require significant device resources to run intensive graphics and multimedia. Code exceptions in these bloated sites can easily overburden Chromebooks with more modest hardware.

Luckily, ChromeOS makes isolating issues with problematic sites streamlined. Enable Guest mode via the main device settings menu. Guest mode contains no logged-in user data, extensions, or other variables – just the bare essential Chrome browser to render web pages.

If crashes desist when accessing problematic pages in Guest mode, something within your user profile or installed browser extensions likely clashes with those sites specifically. Dig deeper into conflict isolation if the simplified guest browser remains stable.

DON’T MISS: Awesome deals await you on your next purchase of Chromebook device on Amazon and Walmart!

READ MORE ON:

Windows Dispatch is a website supported by its readers & community. Some pages may contain affiliate links which may allow us to earn a little money when you buy through them.

David Porter
David Porter
David is prolific writer and full-time Digital Nomad. He is an American expat living in Indonesia who loves to follow the recent technology updates. In his free time, he loves surfing and travel the edge of Indonesia.

Further Readings

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent Articles

Trending